Helen E. Brawner

4/1/2016

Helen E. Brawner, 82, of Peoria peacefully passed away Friday, April 1, 2016 at her home surrounded by her husband of 60 years and their daughter.
Helen was born on a farm north of Trivoli, Illinois, August 2, 1933, her mother's birthday, to Esther (Beal) and Nicholas Molchin.
She married Donald Brawner August 28, 1955. The couple lived in Germany for a year where Don was stationed in the military, and they were privileged to explore much of Europe together. They returned to the states with magnificent memories and stories that lasted a lifetime! Once they returned home, Helen worked diligently by her husband's side to establish their business, Midget Studio. She continued this work with Don until they were blessed with their daughter Teresa Lynn in 1962.
Helen worked at First United Methodist Church as a nursery school teacher and later as the Christian Education Director. In 1976, she began a 20-year career at Manual High School, first working in their Library and later in the Dean's Office.
Helen will most certainly be remembered for her volunteer work, both in the community and in her church, First United Methodist Church. As her daughter began growing up, Helen's volunteering stepped up: Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, Home Room Mother. If the school asked for a volunteer, Helen was there! In the same way, her church was blessed with the same volunteer commitment. She was a Chair for Christmas Tree Lane, Chair of the Missions Committee, UMW Officer, and Delegate to Annual Conferences to name just a few.
Helen is survived by her husband, Don Brawner of Peoria; her daughter, Teresa Brawner of Peoria; her sister, Marianne Taylor of Farmington; and several nieces.
Schmidt-Haller Burial and Cremation service is in charge of arrangements.
The family will celebrate Helen's life with a Memorial Service April 6, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Peoria, Illinois. Pastor Bob Phillips will officiate. Visitation will be held in the morning prior to the Memorial Service from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, Helen heart's desire was for friends and family to make donations to First United Methodist Church of Peoria, Illinois, where they will be designated "in memory" to those projects most dear to her heart.
Published in Peoria Journal Star on Apr. 5, 2016 - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pjstar/obituary.aspx?n=helen-brawner&pid=179512153&fhid=11505#sthash.55oXiOp8.dpuf